Tampa Bay Redfish Are Keeping Our Rods Bent!

By Captain John Blenker

There's something special about October on Tampa Bay. The oppressive summer heat finally starts loosening its grip, the mornings become a little more comfortable, and the redfish decide it's time to put on a show.

And brother, have they been putting on a show!

Welcome to RED OCTOBER!

We've been enjoying some excellent redfish action lately aboard Five O'Clock Charlie, and the secret weapon hasn't been anything fancy. No expensive artificial lures, no complicated tricks, and no magic fishing gadgets.

Just good old-fashioned live shrimp!

Sometimes the simplest bait in the tackle box is still the best.

Redfish: Built Like a Bulldog and Ready to Fight

If you've ever hooked a healthy Tampa Bay redfish, you know exactly why I love catching these fish.

They're not particularly interested in cooperating.

A redfish doesn't jump around like a snook or make a blistering run like a king mackerel. Instead, it puts its head down, digs in, and fights like a bulldog that just had its favorite bone stolen.

And that's what makes them so much fun.

There's nothing quite like watching a customer hook into a good redfish for the first time. The rod bends, the drag starts talking, and suddenly that peaceful morning on Tampa Bay turns into a full-blown wrestling match.

That's usually when I hear those three beautiful words: 'GET THE NET!'

Music to a charter captain's ears.

Shrimp Are Getting the Job Done

Our recent success has come primarily from fishing live shrimp.

Redfish are opportunistic feeders, and a lively shrimp presented in the right location can be mighty difficult for them to pass up.

We've been concentrating on the places where redfish naturally like to hang out, including mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, grass flats, and areas with moving water.

One of the things I've learned after years of fishing Tampa Bay is that you don't always need to chase fish all over the bay. Sometimes the smartest thing you can do is slow down, pay attention to the tide, and let the fish come to you.

Of course, redfish don't read the same fishing reports we do, so there are days when they have entirely different plans.

That's fishing!

October Is One of My Favorite Times on the Water

October brings a welcome change of pace to our fishing season.

As the water begins cooling from the summer heat, conditions can become more comfortable for both anglers and fish.

The early mornings are beautiful, the scenery is hard to beat, and there's always the possibility of finding a school of hungry redfish working along the shoreline.

And while catching fish is certainly the goal, there's a whole lot more to enjoy.

Bottlenose dolphins cruising through the bay, ospreys hunting overhead, and the occasional manatee reminding us that we're sharing these waters with some pretty remarkable neighbors.

Even after all these years, I never get tired of it.

Catching Memories, Not Just Fish

One of my favorite parts of running fishing charters isn't necessarily catching the biggest fish.

It's watching somebody catch a fish they'll remember for years.

Maybe it's a youngster experiencing that first serious tug on the line. Maybe it's a husband and wife enjoying a morning together, or a visitor discovering that Tampa Bay offers some pretty incredible fishing.

When that redfish finally comes alongside the boat, everybody seems to be smiling.

A few photographs, some congratulations, and a healthy fish swimming away after a careful release can make for one heck of a morning.

That's the kind of fishing I enjoy.

And that's the kind of experience I work hard to provide aboard Five O'Clock Charlie.

Come Join Me for a Little Red October!

If you've been thinking about getting out on Tampa Bay, October is a mighty fine time to do it.

Whether you're an experienced angler or somebody who's never held a fishing rod, I'd be happy to show you what makes our local waters so special.

We provide the fishing equipment, bait, and local knowledge. You bring your enthusiasm, a little patience, and maybe some luck.

And remember, redfish regulations can change, so we always follow the current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rules.

Let's get out there and bend a few rods!

Until next time, keep your lines tight, your hooks sharp, and remember:

The fish don't care how much your tackle costs. Sometimes all they want is a shrimp!

Captain John Blenker

USCG Licensed Master Captain

Five O’Clock Charlie Boat Tours & Charters, Inc.

www.fiveoclockcharlietours.com

Fishing charters departing from the Palmetto, Bradenton, and Anna Maria Island areas. All trips are weather permitting